Strange atoms, strange nuclei and kaon condensation

Abstract

Analyses of comprehensive sets of strong-interaction data consisting of level shifts, widths and yields in strange atoms of K mesons and Sigma hyperons are reviewed. The introduction of density dependent optical potentials, in both cases, improves significantly the fit to the data. A strongly attractive antikaon-nuclear potential of order 150-200 MeV in nuclear matter is suggested by fits to the kaonic-atom data, with interesting possible repercussions on kaon condensation and on the evolution of strangeness in high-density stars. The case for relatively narrow, deeply bound antikaon atomic states is made, essentially independent of the nuclear potential depth. Dynamical models for calculating binding energies and widths of antikaon-nuclear states are discussed and a lower bound of approximately 50 MeV on the width is established. For Sigma atoms, the fitted potential becomes repulsive inside the nucleus, in agreement with recently reported (pi-,K+) spectra from KEK, implying that Sigma hyperons generally do not bind in nuclei. This repulsion significantly affects calculated compositions and masses of neutron stars.